Man Cited for Commercial Oyster Violations in Louisiana After Allegedly Obtaining Commercial Licenses Through Fraud and Other Infractions

Louisiana - A man was cited for commercial oyster violations in Louisiana after he allegedly obtained commercial licenses through fraud and other infractions.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported on February 14, 2023, that an enforcement agent issued a citation for alleged commercial oyster infractions on February 13 in St. Bernard Parish.

Agents cited Luis A. Garcia, 23 years old, of Mexico, for not possessing a valid commercial fishing license, commercial gear, and commercial vessel licenses and for obtaining commercial licenses by fraud.

In November 2022, agents began their investigation of Garcia when they stopped him for a license and creel check in Lake Borgne on the state's public oyster seed field. Garcia provided Louisiana commercial fishing licenses even though he admitted to living in Mexico during the license check.

Garcia showed a genuine and valid ID from Mexico and non-resident commercial fishing licenses from Texas for the year 2022 that stated his Mexico domicile as the address.

In accordance with Louisiana law, a bona fide resident is a U.S. citizen or resident alien who has consistently remained in the state for the 12 months preceding the day he applies for a license and who has established Louisiana as his legal domicile.

Agents revealed following an additional investigation that Garcia fraudulently obtained 2022 residential commercial fishing licenses. Garcia illegally caught, landed, and sold about 5,915 sacks of oysters with a dockside value of $354,900 in 2022, according to his trip tickets.

Failure to possess legal commercial fishing, commercial gear, and commercial vessel licenses, as well as fraudulently acquiring a license, carries a maximum $500 fine and 90 days in jail per crime. Garcia may also be entitled to civil reparation for the value of the oysters that were illegally sold.

This case's investigative agent is Corporal Blaine Wagner.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.